National Arts Gallery, an integral part of Government Museum is located in the Egmore region of the capital city of Tamil Nadu, Chennai. The gallery is situated on the right hand side of the Pantheon Road while travelling from the Chennai central. The Egmore Railway Station, which is located north of the gallery is less than two kilometres away and provides easy accessibility.

The building of National Arts Gallery was built in the year 1907. This magnificient red sandstone building was designed by Henry Irwin and built by T. Namberumal Chetty. The building represents a typical Indo-Saracenic structure and was initially famous as Victoria Memorial Hall. Built with sandstone and adorned with motifs, the building bears impressions of Mughal architecture. The structure as well as the gallery collections are key factors responsible for the much credited tourist place. The gallery exhibits medieval handicrafts, sculptures, metal ware and paintings belonging to various schools of art, all from the past.

The gallery displays paintings belonging to different schools and eras. The gallery's collections are displayed in four different sections that are: Tanjore Painting Gallery, Decorative Art Gallery, Indian Traditional Art Gallery and Ravi Varma Painting Gallery. The Tanjore paintings on glass are wonderful. The miniature paintings from Rajput and Mughal eras are fascinating too.

The handicrafts that are displayed in National Arts Gallery belong to the 11th and 12th century, Indian handicrafts, period.

Visiting Hours
The museum is open on all days except Fridays and National Holidays.

Contacts Tel:-8269638, 8261578